A new U.S. travel ban targeting citizens from 12 mostly African and Middle Eastern nations came into effect Monday, as immigration enforcement efforts under President Trump continue to intensify.
The proclamation, signed by Trump last week, bars entry to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, stricter visa rules now apply to individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela who are currently outside the U.S. and lack valid visas.
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According to guidance issued Friday to American diplomatic missions, previously issued visas remain valid, allowing those travelers to enter the U.S. despite the new restrictions. However, starting Monday, visa applications from individuals in the listed countries will be denied unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
Trump’s earlier travel ban during his first term, aimed mainly at Muslim-majority nations, triggered widespread confusion at airports and faced multiple legal challenges, leading to significant revisions.